Mars plucks Eagles
WARRENDALE — When your offense is averaging more than 10 goals per game, it's going to get most of the headlines.
But what makes the Mars hockey team so dangerous is that it has solid defense and goaltending to go with it.
The Planets (6-0) stayed perfect with a 3-0 win over previously undefeated Serra Catholic in a matchup of PIHL Class A section leaders Tuesday night at Warrendale BladeRunners.
The Eagles (4-1) were averaging more than six goals per game entering the meeting, but were frustrated all night by Mars' defense and sophomore goalie Greg Lewis.
The Planets had defeated their first four opponents by a combined score of 53-0 before surviving a 5-4 outcome against Somerset last Thursday.
"All I know is that your chances of winning a game are pretty good if you don't give up any goals," said Mars coach Tim Coleman.
On offense, senior Mike Heltman scored a goal in the first and second period for a 2-0 lead.
Meanwhile, the defense seemed to be one stride ahead of the Eagles.
Countless scoring opportunities were thwarted by a Mars player being in the right place at the right time, often getting a stick on the puck to intercept a centering pass or at least interfere with it.
The Planets played a neutral zone trap — a 1-2-2 formation that worked to perfection.
Leading the defense was senior Sean Roach and sophomores Tyler Whiteford and Ryan Magdinec.
When the Eagles did manage to get a shot off, Lewis was there to stonewall the attempt, finishing the game with 15 saves.
"We got outplayed tonight," said Serra coach Brian Boehm. "We got beat to all the loose pucks, and Mars' team defense is outstanding. We don't make excuses."
Lewis' counterpart, Serra goalie Stephen Derewonko, played a great game as well, stopping 18 shots.
"He's started the last two years for us," said Boehm. "His play was the difference between tonight's game being 3-0 and being a huge blowout."
The Eagles had a glimmer of hope when Mars was whistled for tripping, giving them a two-minute advantage with 4:49 left in the third period.
But while Serra was able to keep the puck in the attack zone for most of the power play, they got off only two shots, which Lewis gobbled up.
Finally, with 59 seconds left in the game, Boehm elected to pull Derewonko, which led to Ian Finney's empty-net goal with 47 seconds left. Heltman assisted the final score.
Mars plays Quaker Valley Tuesday in Warrendale.
